Scripture Reading: John 17:1-5

The Power of Christ

(Luke 4:31-6:11)

Intro.

1. Prophecy that Christ would rule amongst His enemies is fulfilled, Psa. 110:1-2 (Acts 2:33-36). He would exercise ruling authority.

2. While on earth, Jesus displayed His power and authority, John 5:19-23; 17:2, 4. After His resurrection, He used it again, Matt. 28:18-20.

3. Luke 4:31-6:11: Series of events that showed His power (authority).

1. The Authority of His Word, Lk. 4:31-32, 42-44.

-He commands and defeats sin with His word, Acts 2:40-41.

-The content and urgency of His preaching, Lk. 4:43-44; Rom. 10:13-17.

-Jesus will command death with His word, Jno. 5:28-29.

-We will be judged by His word, Jno. 12:48; Rev. 20:12.

2. His Authority over Demons, Lk. 4:33-37, 41.

-Shows His power over Satan, Lk. 11:14-23.

-We rely on His power in our struggle against evil, Eph. 6:10-13.

3. His Authority over Sickness, Lk. 4:38-40.

-Foretold His power over sin, Matt. 8:14-17.

-Prayer avails, Lk. 4:38; Jas. 5:14-15.

-By the power of His grace, we are made strong in weakness, 2 Cor. 12:7-10.

4. His Authority over Nature, Lk. 5:1-11.

-Peter put his faith in Christ’s word, 5:3-5.

-Produced a great catch of fish, and Peter’s confession of sins, 5:6, 8.

-Signified Christ’s power to save lost humanity, Lk. 5:10.

5. His Authority over Leprosy, Lk. 5:12-16.

-Christ is willingness to heal the most corrupt, Lk. 5:12-13.

-We must fall on our faces, imploring Jesus to heal us!

6. His Authority to Forgive Sins, Lk. 5:17-26.

-Jesus sees faith, and forgives sins, 5:20; Acts 2:37-38, 41; 22:16.

-Beyond expectation (“strange”), Lk. 5:26; Eph. 2:1, 4-5.

7. His Authority over Cultural Norms, Lk. 5:27-32.

-He defied human expectations to achieve divine purposes, Gal. 1:10 (2 Cor. 5:9; Jno. 8:29).

-Culture does not set our moral standard and conscience; Christ does.

8. His Authority to bring in New Things, Lk. 5:33-39.

-Jesus had power to introduce a new law (covenant), with better blessings, Heb. 8:6.

-Men’s expectations do not establish divine approval.

9. His Authority over the Sabbath, Lk. 6:1-11.

-He had power to use the Sabbath, without violating it, 6:1-5 (2, 5).

-He had power to explain the purpose of the Sabbath, 6:6-11 (9).

Conclusion

1. Jesus Christ has all authority, Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:8-11.

2. He showed that authority while on earth; and He continues to exercise it now that He is in heaven at the right hand of God.

3. We must “kiss the Son” – Acknowledge and yield to His power in reverent service – Or perish throughout eternity, Psa. 2:11-12.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: January 4, 2018